This is my story...a young woman on a adventure of a lifetime. Out to save lives for Jesus Christ in Botswana Africa. These are her encounters and experiences along the way

Thursday, September 21, 2006

The Attack

After doing a survey in my classes I found out that 38% of my students who range from the age of 13 to 16 have already had sex. Some saying that they had started having sex at the age of 12. The depressing fact is that about 25% of Botswana is HIV infected and even these statistics aren’t totally correct because they are only done on women who have come into the hospital to have babies. They are automatically tested before giving birth and that is how the information is collected to come up with the 25%. It would be nearly impossible to go around to all of the villages and get a true statistic. No one here in Botswana dies of AIDS. If anyone dies it is always because of something else and infection or something but not of AIDS. They are not even truthful with each other about how devastating AIDS is. Botswana has the second highest rate of AIDS in the world only Swaziland is higher. Despite all of the countries efforts to give out treatment and provide care it will not stop until there is a behavior change among the people here.

I was surprised to hear my students tell me that the most common places to have sex is in the toilet, the bush, or even under a bus shelter. After discussing with them the consequences of their actions and the rate at which people are dying they seemed to be indifferent. This term in school I will be talking about sex, STDs, HIV, AIDS, and abstinence but Satan is alive and well. I need all of your prayers for these next couple of months that the students will see the truth and grab a hold of it.

2 Comments:

Crystal, I will be praying...How sad that the young people are exposed at such a young age and that they are indifferent about the effects. I am praying for you and would like to hear how your class goes and how things continue to go. Thank you for letting us know and keeping us updated.

Crystal, Thank you for serving God in Botswana. I will be praying for you and that God will touch their hearts with the truth about sin. I know God has a reason for you to be there and I know He will be glorified in what you are doing. I will pray that these young children will make the decision to say no to sex and be bold in their faith. Satan wants to destroy this generation but God is all about preserving and restoring this generation. I believe Gods word will not return void but that it will prosper and do that which He sent it to do. God;s word is powerful.

About Me

I am a missionary with the International Mission Board. I am in Botswana for two years to work with the Operation HIV Team there. I will be educating and teaching HIV precautions as well as True Love Waits. I will also be doing conferences and visiting those who are stuggling and dying of AIDS. Please pray for me while I am on this endeavor.